For me, this standard and the next one go hand-in-hand with Standard B5, about students being motivated and engaged, since they all have to do with what I feel is a positive classroom culture towards learning. The third slide of the Core Precalculus Open House presentation lists some attributes of this classroom culture, under the heading, "I appreciate students who..."
Standard D2: Teacher and students demonstrate a positive disposition toward learning
Benchmarks:
Models and encourages supportive and positive language
Fosters student enthusiasm for, and curiosity about, the discipline
During the current school year (2010-11), I have taught Core Precalculus for the first time, which has been both enjoyable and rewarding for me. In particular, even though these are some of the students at our school who have been less interested in math, or who have over time lost their confidence in their ability to succeed in math, most have had a successful year and even renewed their confidence and interest in the subject. Leslie Kinnas note.pdf
Standard D3: Teacher demonstrates effective management
Benchmarks:
Intervenes and addresses behavioral issues effectively
Develops and implements effective classroom procedures and routines
Maintains clear expectations and standards of behavior
Empowers students to solve problems and resolve conflicts
We are fortunate here that classroom management is much less of an issue here (at least in the sense in which I believe it is intended) than in some other school environments. I think back to my years teaching in large public schools in the US and wonder/hope that I could still teach there effectively. Nevertheless, the attached student survey results do at least speak to clear expectations and routines.
Standard D4: Teacher establishes an effective physical environment
Benchmarks:
Creates a learning environment that is safe, functional, and inviting
Ensures materials are accessible
Creates an environment that promotes student learning and active student engagement
Adapts the physical space to accommodate individual and group learning needs
By temperament, I am not someone who places a high priority on the details of my physical environment. In terms of teaching, this means that I will probably never be someone whose teaching space is especially creatively or artistically arranged, though I do feel that I meet the standard suggested by "safe, functional, and inviting."
I have shared classrooms effectively with Laurie (the past two years) and Kevin (this year), doing so in a way that the students do not feel disadvantaged by having a teacher without a permanent location.
As IB Coordinator, I have had to pay a lot of attention to suitable physical environments for testing. This year, in particular, we have had to use several different venues, which has required keeping in mind the IB regulations regarding exam administration, the best possible environment for students, and the needs of the school community as a whole.
Benchmarks:
For me, this standard and the next one go hand-in-hand with Standard B5, about students being motivated and engaged, since they all have to do with what I feel is a positive classroom culture towards learning. The third slide of the Core Precalculus Open House presentation lists some attributes of this classroom culture, under the heading, "I appreciate students who..."
Standard D2: Teacher and students demonstrate a positive disposition toward learning
Benchmarks:
Standard D3: Teacher demonstrates effective management
Benchmarks:
Standard D4: Teacher establishes an effective physical environment
Benchmarks: